Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.



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Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
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Rep. Rahm Emanuel,(D-IL), at left, has introduced H.R. 6036, the Lifelong Learning Accounts Act, to create employer-matched, portable educational accounts that workers can use to finance their education and training. With surveys showing that the majority of Boomers expect to remain in the workforce well beyond traditional retirement age, this bill could have a huge impact on those who want to transition to a new field. Emanuel's plan would allow workers to use a Lifelong Learning Account (LiLA) either for education and training that bolsters a current career or for moving to a new career. To learn about this bill, Read More.


The estimate for the value of a volunteer hour jumped 74 cents, from $18.77 in 2006 to $19.51 last year, according to the Independent Sector (IS), a Washington, D.C.- based coalition of nonprofits and foundations. "Our nation's volunteers play a vital role in helping America's 1.4 million charitable organizations improve lives ..." said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of IS. Well, we already know how valuable volunteers are... good to have the numbers for bragging rights! Check out this article in The Nonprofit Times.


China's massive earthquake wreaked havoc on the land... and dramatically changed the life of older Chinese people caught up in this disaster. China reveres its elderly, but now there are more than 32,000 separated from their families, with their longtime homes and belongings lost forever. They will face the future without the traditional support provided by their children. Learn more about their plight in this Washington Post article.


Do you realize that Mick Jagger will be 65 this July? This milestone and others have encouraged two scholars to edit a collection of articles on the theme of aging and celebrity. In fact, not all movie stars fear aging. Jamie Lee Curtis (at right) recently appeared on the cover of AARP magazine, pointing out that "there's an incredible amount of self-knowledge that comes with getting older." To submit an article for this collection, send a 300-word abstract to the Center for the Study of the Americas at click here by June 30, 2008.




 
Meet author Gail Rentsch (pictured here) and Christine Millen, President of The Transition Network, the women behind the book Smart Women Don't Retire— They Break Free. Boomer women have been trailblazers throughout their professional lives. Now they are ready to do for retirement what they did for the working world — redefine it! Hear inspiring stories rich in practical advice on how to navigate through this complex stage of life and create exciting new opportunities. More info? Click here. Ready to register? Click here.


Lights, action, camera! Make this your 15 minutes of fame! Local Mt. Airy filmmaker, Jen Schneider, is looking for people ages 45-70 to appear as extras in her movie, "Crossroads" being filmed on June 14. This is not a paid gig, but participants will be given food and drink while on the set. The shoot will take place at Springfield Township High School in Glenside, PA. To sign up to participate, e-mail the casting assistant at: saraziafilms@gmail.com. To learn about the film, Read More.




  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, e-mail details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




Centro Nueva Creación builds hope in Fairhill and surrounding neighborhoods in Philadelphia by offering programs in education, community service, career development, technology and the arts. These programs are bilingual, low or no cost, and open to the public. Centro's after-school and summer camp focus on literacy, arts, wellness, and technology, serving children between the ages of 5 and 13 years. The VISTA Development Coordinator will be in charge of outreach, public relations, coordinating special events and developing evaluation materials for educational programs. Read More.


Angel Flight East, a volunteer pilot organization, coordinates free air transportation for children and adults who have life-threatening medical conditions and can only receive treatment at health care facilities far from their homes. This nonprofit, located in Blue Bell, PA, is seeking a paid, part-time bookkeeper, 3-4 hours a week. Candidate needs to be well-organized, with strong accounting skills. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Maureen Schmidt, Angel Flight East, 1501 Narcissa Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422 or fax to (215) 358-1999.


JEVS Human Services is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that benefits the community by enhancing the employability and self-sufficiency of the individuals it serves through a broad range of support programs. JEVS is seeking an experienced communications professional to work part-time (job sharing), 2 days a week, in its marketing and communications department. Among the responsibilities are media outreach, development of collateral materials, and supporting event planning/fund-raising activities. If you're interested, Read More.


Did you know that close to 150,000 Philadelphians are living at risk of hunger, including 61,000 children? Join the movement to end hunger by donating your time to the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger. The coalition works to educate the community about the reality of hunger in Philadelphia, its causes, and the systems in place to lead people to healthier lives. Your time and assignments can be flexible -- weekdays, evenings, week-ends. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call (215) 430-0555.




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.

And don't forget to check out our website Community Calendar too!


9:00 am at PECO, 2301 Market Street, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Tribune is sponsoring "Home Advantage," a free community event for those interested in all aspects of home ownership. Experts will discuss buying a home, credit counseling, and financing options. Local, state and federal agencies will be on hand to explain how to help save your home from foreclosure. Find out how to save on utility bills, make your home more energy efficient, refinance and redesign, all on a budget. Free home inspection, credit reports, and pre-approvals available. Call to register at (215) 893-5717 or register online.



10:00 am at various locations throughout Pennsylvania
American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day® (NTD), inspires the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover; view educational exhibits; and participate in trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. Learn about activities in Pennsylvania celebrating this special day by clicking here.


4:00 pm at Phoenix Village Art Center, 207-209 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA
Sarah Osborn, exhibiting artist for the month of June at the Phoenix Village Art Center, leads a lecture discussing the influence of science and art in society today. How does science influence art? How do we see ourselves and interpret our bodies through art in our culture? A discussion group meets following the lecture at the Thai Elephant for dinner and conversation. The artist's work is on exhibit through June 29. Cost: $15. Dinner is an additional charge. Call (610) 983-9430 or e-mail to register.


10:00 am at Germantown Jewish Center, 400 West Ellet Street, Philadelphia
There has been a rash of vandalism in the Northwest section of Philadelphia... and a committed group, including Carpenter's Woods Town Watch, Germantown Jewish Center, West Mt. Airy Neighbors, and Neighborhood Interfaith Movement, is organizing a clean-up crew to repair damage to the Germantown Jewish Center Play Area. If you can help out on June 8, at 10 am. or 2 pm, for even an hour - with your shovel, bucket, or wheelbarrow, please contact Heather to sign up.


6:45 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, 4th floor, Philadelphia
Keep breathing... if you can! Philadelphia is ranked “F” in overall air quality by ''The State of the Air 2008," a report published by the American Lung Association. In this lecture, sponsored by the Sierra Club, Nancy Parks, an expert on air issues, will describe major air pollutants like ozone, particulates, and sulfur dioxide and their local area sources. Stephen McGeady, MD, will talk about the health effects of these pollutants. For information, call (215) 686-5322.


7:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Hear a presentation by Pakistani journalist Ahmed Rashid who has been covering the politics of Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in particular, for more than 20 years as a correspondent for the International Herald Tribune, The New York Review, and The Nation. His latest book, Descent into Chaos: The U. S. and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, provides a clear-eyed analysis of the crisis in Pakistan and the renewed radicalism threatening Afghanistan and the West. FREE. No tickets required. Call: (215) 567-4341.


5:30 pm at Rosenbach Museum and Library, 2008 Delancey Place, Philadelphia
Who's excited for Maurice Sendak's 80th Birthday Party? We are! And the Rosenbach Museum has decided to honor him with a birthday bash worthy of any octogenarian of such passion and mystique. Join the wild rumpus in celebration of the author who gave us Hector Protector, Really Rosie, and Where the Wild Things Are. Live music, wine, and plenty of birthday cake are sure to make this a party you won't want to miss! $8 adult; $5 student or senior. Contact: (215) 732-1600.


5:30 pm at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
The Career Wardrobe, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to assisting low-income women successfully transition to work by providing professional attire, networking and career skills, is holding its annual fundraising event, "Living an Empowered Life"...and you are invited! A cocktail reception, silent auction and prizes donated by area businesses, and a fashion show featuring business suits donated and modeled by media personalities and former Career Wardrobe clients, round out the program. Tickets, $60. Call: (215) 568-6693.



6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Many of us assume that slavery is a thing of the past, but the startling truth is that there are more slaves in the world today than ever before -- around 27 million, with as many as 50,000 working within U.S. borders alone. As part of the Legacy of 1808 series, there will be a frank conversation about modern-day slavery with special guests Theodore Shaw, former President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and E. Benjamin Skinner, author of the new book, A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery. FREE. Reservations required. Call (215) 409-6700.


7:00 pm at Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Chris Roerden is an Agatha Award-winning author. Agatha Awards go to mystery and crime writers who pen mystery novels in the traditional method exemplified by Agatha Christie. Roerden is also a hands-on book editor, and in this talk will explain why 90 percent of manuscripts are rejected without being read, and how writers can raise their odds of getting published. Enjoy an interactive evening of insight and instruction led by this 44-year veteran of niche publishing and a member of Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and the Publishers Marketing Association. No tickets required. For information: (215) 686-5415.


7:00 am at Joel N. Bloom Observatory, The Franklin, 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia
The Joel N. Bloom Observatory is open for public observing on the second Thursday night of every month. On these nights, The Franklin (Institute) offers five different telescopes for you to view celestial objects in the sky, including stars and star clusters, planets, nebulae, and if conditions are right, a galaxy or two. The evening includes a Fels Planetarium show and a lecture or presentation (appropriate for all ages) on an astronomical or space science topic. Staff guidance and free star maps are provided. Admission is $5, Members are FREE. To preregister, call (215) 448-1200.


10:00 am at MossRehab, 60 East Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA
Don't miss this extraordinary juried international art exhibit and sale at MossRehab (until June 15th) by professional artists with physical, hearing, and visual disabilities. An array of media are displayed, including work in oils, watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, as well as photography, sculpture, jewelry and pottery. Inaugurated in 1979, this exhibit showcases 68 artists; 80% of the proceeds go to the artists. Free admission, free valet parking. For more information, call (215) 663-6100.





For You and Those You Care For


Medicare is paying 75% or more of prescription drug costs all over the country for people with limited incomes and resources. All those folks did was apply! People with limited income and resources may have a hard time paying for their medicines, but help is available. And, if you think you won’t qualify, think again. Read More.

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VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."